Those of you who are new to playing the guitar will probably need some easy instructions on the basics; in this How-To, you'll learn how to play an E major chord. This is beneficial since the E major chord is frequently used in many styles of music. Thus, it's probably a good idea to get it under your belt as soon as possible!

The guitar is most likely a descendant of the ancient Greek harp, also called a lyre, as well as the Roman cithara.http://www.buzzle.com/articles/interesting-facts-about-guitar.html By taking up this modern instrument, you're enjoying a method of making music that has existed for thousands of years! This How-To celebrates that musical heritage, and is focused on teaching you to start playing!

In Step 1, we'll briefly discuss the idea behind a chord and run through the basic guitar knowledge (like how to recognize the different strings, what a fret is, etc.) In Step 2, we'll discuss something called the standard tuning for guitar, which you'll need to know in order to play the E chord. Then, in Step 3, we'll examine how to play this chord specifically, paying attention to things like finger position and which strings to strum.

You'll need a guitar, obviously, though a pick is optional because you can use your hands to strum if you really want to. Also, a guitar tuner is recommended, but not required, since there are many websites which can play the required notes for standard tuning.http://www.gieson.com/Library/projects/utilities/tuner/ Basically, that's it - let's get started!

When we talk about playing a chord in music, the simplest definition of the term is something like three or more musical tones, or notes, which are played together at the same time.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/chord Chords, then, require at least three notes as a minimum, but can - and often do! - incorporate more than three notes at once.

As it stands, the E major chord (also abbreviated as "Emaj" or "E maj") is comprised of the three notes of E, B, and G sharp.http://www.hobby-hour.com/guitar/chords.php?chord=e

These notes are sounded by the combination of which strings you play and where your fingers are on each of those strings. If you look at the the neck of the instrument, you'll see that it is interspersed with thin metal strips which are inlaid into the wood. These are called the frets, and the combination of the neck plus the frets is referred to as the fretboard. But, keep in mind that the word "fret" can also refer to the gap which lies in between one piece of metal and the one either above or below it.http://guitar.about.com/library/weekly/aa071200i.htm

Thus, if you hear a guitar player say something about the "first fret, second string" he or she is most likely talking about the gap in between the very first piece of metal and the second, and placing a digit on the second string of the guitar somewhere within that gap.

Now that we've run through some of the basics of what we're doing, it's time to learn how to properly tune the guitar. (As a precaution, you should check that your guitar strings are in good condition, i.e. are not rusty or corroded, before you tighten or loosen the strings).

In the standard tuning, the strings of the guitar (starting with the thickest string, the one closest to you) should play the notes E, A, D, G, B, E. There should be a one octave difference between the thickest string and the thinnest, as both will be tuned to E. You'll need some way to get a reference note for your tuning, and guitar tuners are relatively inexpensive ways to measure how close you are to being in tune.http://guitar.about.com/od/beginners/ss/how_tune_guitar_2.htm However, you can also find numerous online websites which perform the same function, playing back a prerecorded pitch on command.http://www.gieson.com/Library/projects/utilities/tuner/

In order to tighten or loosen strings, you'll need to use the tuning pegs located on the head of your guitar (they're the little key-looking things up at the very end, and there will be one peg for each string you have. So, probably, you'll have six). However, you'll need to be careful, since over-tightening a guitar string (especially the thinner ones) can result in the strings snapping or breaking; when metal whips around like this, there is a good potential for injury.

Now, assuming your guitar is in tune and Step 2 is completed, we're ready to play the E major chord.

It is recommended that you take your index finger of your left hand and place it on the fourth string (tuned to G) on the first fret, i.e. the gap that occurs between the first and second pieces of metal. Then, take your middle finger of your left hand and place it on the second string (tuned to A), on the second fret. Finally, take your ring finger of your left hand and place it on the third string (tuned to D), on the second fret. If you need help, don't be afraid to refer to the helpful, instructional video included in this How-To.

(As an aside: if you have more advanced knowledge in music theory, you can see how the notes of E, G sharp, and B are derived from this positioning, given that each fret operates in half-step increments).

Now, with your fingers in place, take your pick - or your fingers, if you aren't using a pick - and strum all six strings of your guitar with your right hand. Make sure to hit all of the strings, and adjust your fingers on the fretboard if you hear any buzzing or muted notes coming out - this indicates that your fingers should either be moved, or that you should be pressing harder on the strings. It's recommended that you keep your nails short when playing, to help reduce inconsistencies in sound and to get a generally better sound from the instrument.http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-play-guitar-for-newbies

That's it - put your fingers in the right place, and strum all of the strings. Congratulations, you've just played an E major chord!